What was a primary reason for the soviet union's and the united states' decision to engage in a cold war rather than a hot war?
both had just finished a devastating war, and neither had the will or resources to start another.
neither country’s military leaders would accept orders to engage in a hot war at that time.
both required approximately two years of peace-time to recover their ammunition stores.
neither country wanted to take a stand regarding their political and economic ideals.